Croatian media reacts to Borna Barisic performance as Rangers man plays in Armenia win
Rangers left-back Borna Barisic did a “solid” job in defence for Croatia as they defeated Armenia 1-0 in their European Championship qualifier on Monday (11 September), according to Jutarnji List.
The Croatian news outlet shared their player ratings following the 1-0 victory, giving Barisic a 6.5 overall, and saying he had a decent game despite not being helped defensively by Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic.
It has been a poor start to the season for the Croatian, who has struggled to perform consistently in Michael Beale’s side with a string of up-and-down performances.
Jutarnji List wrote of Barisic’s performance: “Did a solid job, especially since Perisic didn’t help him much defensively.”
Barisic ultimately helped his side to keep a clean sheet and earn an important three points to further their efforts for Euro 2024 qualification.
Inconsistent performances
Rangers have had a tricky start to the season overall, and it would be difficult to pick out an individual player who has performed to a consistently positive level, particularly with all of the new arrivals struggling to impress in the early stages of the season.
The Croatian left-back will see his contract expire at the end of the year, and after remaining at the club through the summer window, could face the same fate as former teammates Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent – leaving the club for free just two years after helping them to their 55th title.
Former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones claimed that Rangers could move Barisic on in January after his performances so far this season in an attempt to raise some funds rather than let him leave the club for free [GIVEMESPORT, 11 September].
Given the left-back’s age, and that his contract runs out at the end of the year, the smart option for the club would be to move him on and integrate Ridvin Yilmaz further into their plans.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has claimed the club have already made up their minds on Beale.